Potential impact of parental Tdap immunization on infant pertussis hospitalizations

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Pertussis (whooping cough) poses a significant threat to infants in the U.S., leading to numerous hospitalizations.
• Parental transmission is a notable source of pertussis infection in infants under six months old.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the impact of parental tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination timing on U.S. infant pertussis hospitalizations.
• To determine the potential reduction in infant pertussis hospitalizations through various parental immunization strategies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized published data on U.S. infant pertussis hospitalization rates (0-4 months).
• Incorporated Tdap vaccine efficacy data in adults and estimated parental transmission proportions.
• Modeled hospitalization reductions based on vaccination scenarios: pre-pregnancy, pre-delivery, at delivery, and 2-week newborn visit.

Main Results:

• Vaccinating both parents before pregnancy or at least two weeks before delivery could prevent 2,694-9,314 infant pertussis hospitalizations.
• Vaccinating only mothers in the same timeframe could prevent 1,347-6,909 infant hospitalizations.
• Immunization at least two weeks prior to delivery yields greater reductions compared to post-delivery or 2-week newborn visit vaccination.

Conclusions:

• Optimal pertussis (Tdap) immunization for parents occurs before pregnancy or at least two weeks prior to delivery for maximum infant protection.
• Postpartum maternal Tdap vaccination provides crucial protection for the current newborn and infants in future pregnancies.